Big Brothers Big Sisters seeking Spartan Race sponsors

By HOMER MARQUEZ Herald News Editor

Published
12:50 pm CDT, Tuesday, April 22, 2014

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Big Brothers Big Sisters seeking Spartan Race sponsors

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Some Big Brothers and Big Sisters will be jumping through fire, swimming through mud and putting their endurance to the test in an effort to raise money for the organization dedicated to strengthening the self-esteem of children through mentoring.

“It’s going to be tough, but we can do it,” said Herminia Armendariz, Hale County coordinator for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Armendariz and other Big Brothers and Big Sisters will be looking to raise money for the organization by competing in the infamous Spartan Race.

The Spartan Race, which has earned acclaim by being one of the toughest obstacle races in the world, features a marathon run with obstacles like a fire jump, barbed wire crawl, a spear throw, wall climbs and much more mixed in.

By finding sponsors, the organization has set a goal of raising $1,000 for the program. Armendariz says $1,000 helps to cover the overhead costs that come with matching a “Big” with a “Little.”

Currently, the program has 44 active matches of “Bigs” and “Littles” in the program, which offers one-on-one mentoring to contribute to a brighter future, better schools and stronger communities for all.

According to Armendariz, research shows that 52 percent of children who were mentored were less likely to skip school and saw academic improvement.

Armendariz says she has been preparing for the race with the workout collective F.I.T. Plainview, whose members have already participated in the trial-by-fire race.

Big Brothers also competing in the race will include Plainview police officers Manuel Balderas, Kaleb Tye and Al Longoria.